The NFL is an excellent place to be a very good quarterback, not least when it comes to your bank balance.
Of the 1504 players that are on the active roster of the 32 professional teams, the 12 that are the highest paid in the league are all QBs.
On one level, it’s hardly surprising. The QB, after all, is responsible for leading the offence and making crucial, split-second decisions. They also are in danger of being hit by a rampaging 250-pound, 6-foot-plus linebacker at any given moment. But still, it’s a unique stat.
So who are these lucky dozen players who top the list, and how much do they earn?
Here are the top 12 highest-paid players in the NFL for 2023.
(All figures in USD).
12. Derek Carr, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints
Salary – $37,500,000
Derek Carr enjoyed some good times at the Raiders, taking them to the playoffs in 2016 and 2021. During this time, he went to the Pro Bowl four times and became their all-time franchise leader in passing touchdowns, yards and completions.
However, following a disappointing 2022 season where they failed to match their expectations, he has now left Las Vegas for life in New Orleans with the Saints, in a deal that sees him take out the 12th spot on this list.
Carr was picked by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 draft after regularly standing out in games for Fresno State University. Despite facing some criticism about his performances and ability, throughout his NFL career, he has showcased deep ball accuracy, fine touch passing, and solid decision-making.
Now that he is with the Saints, it will be interesting to see if the 32-year-old can take his game to the next level.
T-9. Daniel Jones, Quarterback, New York Giants
Salary – $40,000,000
At 6 foot 5 and 230 lbs, Daniel Jones is a man mountain of a QB who led the Giants to a considerably improved 9-7-1 season last year, which saw them make the play-offs. Having gone 4-13 the year before, Giants fans are quite rightly optimistic about where he can take the team.
Jones played his college football at Duke University, where he turned heads with his passing and running skills. In the 2019 NFL Draft, he was selected by the New York Giants in the first round. There, he quickly took over as their starting quarterback showing flashes of his promise and potential.
Throughout his NFL career, Jones has displayed his ability to make accurate throws, extend plays with
his mobility, and make plays on the ground. However, he has also faced challenges, including turnovers and inconsistency, which have plagued him in the league.
That said, at 26, he is entering into his prime. So, should the Giant develop a stronger offensive line to protect him, good things may be around the corner.
T-9. Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Los Angeles Rams
Salary – $40,000,000
Even as a Superbowl winner, Matthew Stafford perhaps doesn’t get the plaudits his game deserves.
He does, after all, rank in the all-time top 20 QBs of the NFL for passing touchdowns, yards, completions and attempts. He is also the fastest person in the game’s history to throw for over 40,000 yards and is one of only four men to have thrown for more than 5,000 yards during a regular season.
Playing college football at the University of Georgia, he was selected as the first overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL draft. Head coach Jim Schwartz immediately installed him as a starter, though it wasn’t a fairytale beginning as the Lions ended the season 2-14.
However, Stafford’s career has been on an upward curve since then. He took the Lions to the playoffs three times and won the ultimate prize with the Los Angeles Rams in LVI after being traded to them in 2021.
Stafford is perhaps best known for his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. He has a bullet arm and a competitive spirit that demands respect.
T-9. Dak Prescott, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
Salary – $40,000,000
Since his rookie season, Prescott has been a consistent performer for the Cowboys, especially in the last couple of years, where he has led them to a divisional title and a brace of 12-5 records.
After impressing at Mississippi State University, where he was earmarked as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft. His impact was immediate as he took over as the team’s starting quarterback role for the entire season due to a serious injury to Tony Romo. The Cowboys went 13-3 as they won the NFC East.
Prescott himself suffered a significant ankle injury in the 2020 NFL season, which required surgery and sidelined him for the majority of the year. However, he has shown resilience in his recovery and is expected to return to the field at full strength.
Since his return, he has proved that his ability to make accurate throws, extend plays with his mobility, and lead his team in high-pressure situations has not diminished. Indeed, Prescott’s combination of arm talent, athleticism, and football nous still make him a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.
8. Josh Allen, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
Salary – $43,005,667
Unlike other QBs on this list, it took Josh Allen a bit of time to make an impact on the NFL. But having led the Buffalo Bills to a 13-3 record en route to the divisional playoffs, he has well and truly caught up for lost time.
Born in California, Allen played college football at the University of Wyoming, where he displayed his raw talent and physical abilities. Despite playing for a smaller program, Allen garnered attention for his impressive arm strength and ability to make throws with pinpoint accuracy.
In the 2018 NFL Draft, Allen was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round. It took a little while to establish himself as the team’s starting quarterback but he has now become the face of the franchise. Indeed, Allen’s improvement over the years has been remarkable, as he has now developed into one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.
Some of his great strengths are his ability to make deep throws, extend plays with his legs, and deliver accurate passes on the run. His physical gifts, coupled with his competitiveness and work ethic, make him a much-loved figure in Buffalo.
7. Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
$45,000,000
After leading the Chiefs to three Superbowls in four years, of which he was MVP in their two victories, Patrick Mahomes should perhaps feature higher on this list.
A born winner and leader of men, he is known for his competitive spirit and ability to remain calm under pressure. These traits came to the attention of college football fans whilst he was at Texas Tech University, where he showcased his exceptional arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make plays outside the pocket.
In the 2017 NFL Draft, he was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round, initially serving as a backup to Alex Smith before taking over as the starting quarterback in his second year. Since then, he has made the Pro Bowl every year.
Widely acknowledged as being one of the most talented and exciting quarterbacks in the league, his ability to throw from various arm angles, make incredible downfield throws, and his knack for improvisation have made him a highlight-reel quarterback.
Patrick Mahomes’ impact on the NFL is undeniable. His extraordinary talent, combined with his intelligence, makes him one of the most exciting players to watch. If his career carries on like it has started, he will undoubtedly join the pantheon of the league’s all-time great quarterbacks when he eventually retires.
6. Deshaun Watson, Quarterback, Cleveland Browns
Salary – $46,000,000
Deshaun Watson features at number 6 on this list, despite his career stalling in 2021 due to significant legal and personal issues that include multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and court proceedings.
He didn’t play for the Texans during the 2021 season, who did not select him on account of ‘personal matter/non-injury reasons’. He also was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season, in which he represented the Cleveland Browns in the last 6 games. Finishing with a 3-3 record.
As a footballer, Watson has a good legacy. He played college football at Clemson University, where he had a remarkable career, leading the Clemson Tigers to multiple playoff appearances and a national championship victory in 2016.
In the 2017 NFL Draft, Watson was selected by the Houston Texans in the first round. He quickly made an impact in the league, showcasing his talent and becoming one of the league’s most exciting young quarterbacks. Watson’s ability to escape pressure, make accurate throws on the run, and deliver in clutch moments made him a fan favourite.
Where he goes from here depends on the outcome of his legal situation, which will ultimately shape the narrative around his football career.
5. Kyler Murray, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals
Salary – $46,100,000
Kyler Murray is destined for big things.
At high school, he had a record of 42-0 as a starting QB, leading his team to three straight championships. This caught the eye of scouts at Texas A&M University, whom he played for until later transferring to the University of Oklahoma, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2018.
In the 2019 NFL Draft, Murray was selected as the first overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals. He quickly made an impact in his rookie season, earning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Murray’s dual-threat abilities and his ability to extend plays with his mobility have made him a dangerous player to watch out for.
Murray is blessed with blazing speed, impressive agility, and an exceptional ability to change directions on the field. He possesses a strong arm and is a threat to defences both as a passer and a runner. His ability to create plays out of nothing and make accurate throws on the run sets him apart from other quarterbacks.
As a young and dynamic quarterback, Murray’s potential excites fans of the Cardinals. They didn’t have the best of records last year, finishing 4-13. But with Kyler at the helm, their future is looking a lot brighter.
4. Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Denver Broncos
Salary – $48, 517,647
As a dual-threat QB, Russell Wilson is right up there with the best of all time.
Born in Ohio, Wilson played college football at North Carolina State University and later transferred to the University of Wisconsin. In 2012, he entered the NFL Draft and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round and didn’t take long to settle in. From his rookie season, Wilson displayed his talent and leadership on the field, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
Throughout his NFL career, Wilson has been a consistent performer, leading the Seahawks to multiple playoff appearances, division titles, and a victory in Super Bowl XLVIII. He has earned Pro Bowl selections 9 times and has been recognised for his ability to make accurate throws, extend plays, and lead his team in crucial moments.
Wilson is also known for his exceptional athleticism, strong arm, and ability to make plays both as a passer and a runner. He has an uncanny ability to escape pressure, improvise on broken plays, and deliver accurate passes downfield. His football IQ, decision-making, and work ethic also significantly contribute to his skills as a quarterback.
After 10 phenomenally successful years at Seattle, he moved to Denver in 2022, where he has his work cut out if he is to replicate his previous achievements.
3. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers
Salary – $50,271,667
Still going strong at 39 years old, Aaron Rodgers has enjoyed a glittering 18-year career.
The MVP of Superbowl XLV, which he won with Green Bay, the 10-time pro-bowler has also been the NFL’s Most Valuable Player four times and is a four-time First Team All-Pro too. He also made it into the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s.
Rodgers played college football at the University of California, Berkeley (the state where he was born) where he excelled, earning recognition as one of the top quarterback prospects in the college system. In the 2005 NFL Draft, he was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the first round. After initially serving as a backup to Brett Favre, Rodgers took over as the starting quarterback in 2008 and never looked back.
Throughout his career, Rodgers has been a dominant force on the field, leading the Packers to numerous playoff appearances, as well as their Superbowl win. Now at the Jets, he led them to a 7-10 record, improving on their 4-13 from the 2021 season.
Rodgers is known for his ability to read defences, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate passes. He has a remarkable ability to extend plays, evade pressure, and make throws on the run. His arm strength, coupled with his ability to throw with accuracy and touch, has made him one of the most dangerous passers in the league.
Despite his age, Rodgers is a firm fan-favourite and a respected figure in the world of football.
2. Jalen Hurts, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
Salary – $51,000,000
Although he had a very impressive game where he scored three touchdowns as well as passing for 304 yards and rushing for 70 yards, Jalen Hurts suffered heartbreak with his Philadelphia Eagles as the Chiefs edged them out 38-35 in Superbowl LVII.
However, the $255 million, five-year extension he signed to his contract just three months later must have gone some way towards lessening the pain. It was a deal that made him the NFL’s highest-ever player for precisely 10 days until he was usurped by the contract signed by the person who sits at number 1 on this list.
Born in Texas, Hurts played college football at the University of Alabama, where he had an impressive career. He led the Crimson Tide to multiple appearances in the College Football Playoff and showcased his ability to make plays with his arm and his legs. Hurts also demonstrated remarkable composure and poise in high-pressure situations, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches.
In the 2020 NFL Draft, Hurts was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round. He initially served as a backup quarterback before taking over as the starter later in the season. Hurts displayed his dual-threat abilities, using his speed and agility to extend plays and make an impact as a rusher. He showed promise as a passer, demonstrating significant improvement throughout his rookie season.
Hurts is known for his strong work ethic, dedication to the game, and his ability to motivate and lead his teammates. He has a reputation for being a student of the game, constantly striving to improve his skills and football knowledge.
At just 24 years old, it is scary to think that most of his best years are ahead of him.
1. Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens
Salary – $52,000,000
Coming in at number one is Lamar Jackson, quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens.
Florida-born Jackson played college football at the University of Louisville, where he gained recognition for his dual-threat abilities as a passer and a runner. He became the first quarterback in NCAA history to rush for over 1,000 yards and pass for over 3,000 yards in consecutive seasons. In 2016, he also won the Heisman Trophy (awarded to the best player in the whole of college football).
In the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round. He quickly made an impact in his rookie season with his exceptional athleticism, speed, and dynamic playing style.
Taking over as a starter from Joe Flacco, he led the Ravens to the playoffs, in the process becoming the youngest starting quarterback in a Wild Card game at the tender age of 22.
Although the Ravens lost to the Chargers, Jackson had a breakout season in 2019, earning the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He set numerous records, including the most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season. Since then, he has been to the Pro-bowl twice.
Widely considered one of the greatest running quarterbacks of all time, Jackson’s speed, agility, and elusiveness make him difficult to defend against. He also has the ability to make explosive plays with both his arm and his legs, which have made him one of the NFL’s most dynamic and dangerous players.